Best Tent Camping near Red Lodge, MT
Primitive tent camping options surround Red Lodge, Montana, with sites scattered throughout the Custer National Forest and along nearby waterways. Sheridan Campground provides tent-only sites within the national forest boundary from May through early September. Other options include the more remote Initial Creek Campground for hikers seeking backcountry tent camping, and Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass for dispersed camping in a more isolated setting.
Access to tent sites varies significantly, with many requiring travel on unpaved forest roads. Sites at Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping include bear boxes for food storage, but limited amenities otherwise, with most areas featuring only vault toilets and no drinking water. Tent campers should bring all water and supplies, as most locations lack services. At Rosebud Isle Fishing Access Site, only 8 tent spots are available, making early arrival essential. Primitive tent setups are common at dispersed sites, which typically allow fires but may have seasonal restrictions during high fire danger periods.
The Swinging Bridge Fishing Access Site offers tent campers well-spaced sites with vegetation and trees providing natural separation between camping areas. Each site includes a fire ring with cooking grate and picnic table, providing a comfortable base for primitive tent camping. Higher elevation tent sites near Red Lodge may experience cold overnight temperatures even in summer months. According to one visitor at Lady of the Lake Trail, "We spotted lots of moose, they are everywhere up there." Sites at Initial Creek Campground feature bear-proof containers at each of the six tent sites, with the sound of the West Fork of the Stillwater River audible throughout the camping area. Campers seeking more solitude should consider the dispersed tent camping options farther from town, which generally see less traffic and provide a more authentic wilderness experience.
